Finite Element Analysis of Non-Laminated Composite Pin-Loaded Straps for Civil Engineering

Abstract

Presented is a finite element analysis for carbon fiber reinforced plastic pin-loaded straps of non-laminated form. TheMARCK6.2 code was used. The goal was the determination of tensile strength from a knowledge of the peak stresses in the region where a (multi-layer) strap makes contact with the two steel circular pins. The paper illustrates difficulties other researchers and analysts may encounter if they are to analyze similar composite material problems. Numerical problems were found because of computing resource limitations, the highly orthotropic elastic constants, the geometric non-linearity, the geometric and material discontinuities, and the presence of friction and sliding contact. Their influence on stresses is illustrated by way of a simplified model for a single-layer strap. Peak stresses are shown to change significantly on varying a finite element model parameter that is not physical. Acceptable finite element stresses, away from the region with the peak stresses, are found on comparing them with a classical stress solution and experimental measurement.